Portable fire basket type of grate



April 1951 M. H. GARFUNKLE 2,550,057

PORTABLE FIRE BASKET TYPE OF GRATE Original Filed March 24, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet l 7 29 [j I 2a 2 Z J 7 64 k 2 9 y f P F F .F P F .9 I!

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PORTABLE FIRE BASKET TYPE OF GRATE Original Filed March 24, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WJJ. /fwmb mw $6 April 24, 1951 M. H; GARFUNKLE 2,550,

PORTABLE FIRE BASKET TYPE OF GRATE Original Filed March 24, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 XQ F FF 27::LU I 4% J J U jf %%%J 4 JJJ 'J0&f

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Patented Apr. 24, 1951 UNITED STATES ZPATENT,OFFICE PORTABLE FIRE BASKET TYPE OF GRATE Morris H. Garfunkle, Newark, N. J.

Original application March 24, 1944, Serial No. 527,935, now Patent No. 2,447,938, dated August 1948, Serial No. 39,841

provide a portable fire basket composed of a plurality of individual sections Which may be readily manufactured, shipped, assembled and readily secured together to form a complete and efficient fire basket.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a portable fire basket composed of a plurality of individual sections, and to provide novel means by which said sections may be assembled and secured together, and wherein the fastening means are such that the sections and fastening means are not subjected to undue strains and breakage as the sections expand and contract when subjected to varying degrees of temperature.

It is a still further object of my present invention to provide a portable fire basket which is simple and economical in construction, is readily assembled and disassembled, is rigidly supported on strong, readily detachable legs, and which is otherwise highly satisfactory and efficient in the purposes for which designed.

In the accompanying drawings wherein I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention,

Fig. 1 is a vertical, longitudinal sectional view through a preferred form of my improved portable fire basket,

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of an end portion of my improved portable fire basket shown in Figs. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view on the line l-d of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the upper portion of one of the detachable legs utilized to support the portable fire basket in spaced relation above a hearth or other surface,

Fig. 6 is a plan view of one of the sections of the two-part top or cover adapted to be placed on the portable fire basket of my present invention when the same is to be used for cooking purposes, and

6 Claims. (Cl. 126165) Divided and this application July 21,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of one of the detachable legs. I

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been employed to designate like parts throughout the several views, the numeral i designates, broadly, the novel basket or body portion of my present invention, which, in the present instance, com

prises rear and front sections 2 and 3, respectively, and end sections 4 and 5. The upper edge of each of the sections 2 to 5, inclusive, is provided with a channel 6 formed by the laterally and outwardly extendingfiange i at the top'of each section, suitable lugs or projections 8 being provided at spaced intervals throughout the length of this channel for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Each of the sections 2 to 5, inclusive, is provided with spaced, vertically-extending cut-out portions 9, as is customary in fireplace grates or fire baskets and similar devices, for permitting air to circulate to and through the fire bed within the grate or basket, these cut-out portions terminating at their upper ends in spaced relation to the top portion of each section and extending to the bottom of each of the rear and front sections 2 and 3, respectively, and horizontally for a short distance along an inturned flange lll located at the bottom of each of said sections 2 and 3, which flanges ii] are notched, as at it,

along their inturned marginal edges, the cutout portions 9 in end sections 4 and 5 also extending horizontally for a short distance along an inturned flange 52 provided at the bottom of each of said sections, which flanges !2 are provided with aligned, elongated, semi-cylindrical depressions 53 (Fig. 2) positioned on the upper surface of each flange I2 and toward the front of the basket as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3, i. e., these depressions H3 in the two flanges i2 at opposite ends of the basket are in horizontal alignment and are located in a plane closer ;to the front 3 of the basket than to the rear 2 thereof. Each flange i2 is also provided with an inwardly extending lug is extending from the lower surface of the flange and located near the end of the flange which is adjacent the rear inturned portions I5 which, when the basket is assembled, constitute a part or portion of the ends thereof, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. As a preferred means for attaching the several secwhich apertures are in alignment with the apertures in the lugs l6 when the sections of the basket are assembled, whereby suitable stove bolts or the like I1, preferably of less diameter than the diameter of the aligned apertures, may be passed through the apertures in the end sections and through the apertures in lugs It to secure the upper portions of the basket to ether, all as clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

As a preferred means for securing the lower portions of the sections 2, 3, 4, and together, i provide the opposite ends of each of the flanges 2 of end sections 4 and 5 with a lug I8, each of which lugs extends above and beyond the adjacent end of the flange I2 and terminates in a depending end or hook-like portion l9 as best seen in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.

As shown, each lug I8 is adapted to pass through opposed cut-out portions 9 near the ends of the rear and front sections '2 and 3, respectively, and to overlie the inturned flange ll! of each of said sections, it being noted that the depending end portion IQ of each lug I8 is disposed within the horizontal portion at the lower end of said cutout portions 9 and hooks behind the outer edge of the underlying portion of the flange 0. Preferably, the distance between the inner surface of the depending portion l9 of each lug [Band the adjacent end of the flange |2 is slightly greater than the width of the flange |l.'| where it underlies said lug l8, so that there is a space between said surface and the outer edge of the flange I9 whereby the parts of the assembled fire basket may expand and contract due to temperature variations to which it is subjected without imposing undue strains upon the component parts of the basket or upon the means utilized for securing the parts in assembled relation.

The fuel-supporting or grate portion of the portable fire basket of my present'invention comprises a flat, grate-like structure 2| provided with a double row of spaced openings or cut-out portions 22 through which air may circulate from beneath the fire basket to effect combustion of solid fuel such as wood, coal, coke or the like placed within the basket or body portion Opposite ends of the grate-like structure are provided with outwardly-projecting trunnions 23 shaped and dimensioned to conform to, and to be received within, the depressions l3 of flanges l2, it being ,noted from the disclosures of Figs. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings that these trunnions are located toward the front section 3 of the fire basket I so that the preponderance of weight of the grate-like structure 2| is to the rear of said trunnions. Outwardly extending lugs 24 are provided at each of the rear corners of the grate-like structure 2| and extend toward the adjacent flanges I2 on end sections 4 and 5,

neath the lower edge of front section 3. This lug 25 functions as a means to be hereinafter described, to effect the forward tilting of the grate-like structure 2| about the trunnions 23- and the consequent dumping ashes or other contents of the basket.

It is to be noted that the rear, front, and end sections which constitute the fire basket or body portion of my improved portable fire basket slope inwardly and downwardly from their top toward their bottom edges, so that the body of the basket is of greater length and greater width at the top than at the bottom thereof. Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 and also the grate-like structure 2|, are preferably made of cast iron,

, but may be made of other metal and/or by methods other than casting, or may be made of nonmetallic material capable of withstanding the temperatures and other conditions incident to the use of such a device. In the manufacture of the fire basket, the lugs |4, I6, and 8 may be cast or otherwise formed integrally with the respective sections, and the trunnions 23 and lug 25 may be cast or otherwise formed integrally with the grate-like structure 2 I, or, if preferred, these lugs and trunnions may be formed separately and may be attached to the respective parts by means of welding or by the employment of suitable fastening means such as bolts, rivets, or the like. As stated, each of the sections 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as the grate-like sections 2|, is cast or otherwise manufactured as a separate unit which permits mass production of the device, and ready and economical packing and shipping of the same from the manufacturer to the dealer or ultimate user. When it is desired to assemble one of the devices to form the fire basket or body portion I, it is only necessary to select rear and front sections 2 and 3, end sections 4 and 5, and one of the grate-like structure 2|. The lugs l8 integral with or secured to the inturned flanges l2 of end these lugs 24 being adapted to normally rest upon the cooperating lugs M which extend inwardly from the flanges I2, the arrangement being such that the grate-like structure 2|v is normally maintained in horizontal position and constitutes the bottom of my improved fire basket. An elongated flat lug 25 is provided at the front of the grate-like structure 2| and is of a length Sumcient to extend outwardly y nd and be- 75 plurality of cut-out openings 21 to constitute a sections 4 and 5 are passed through the cutout portion 9 adjacent each end of the rear and front sections 2 and 3 and the said end sections are moved downwardly within said cut-out por of the adjacent flange H). The apertures in the end sections 4 and 5 are now brought into alignment with the apertures in lugs l6, whereupon a stove bolt or the like I7, preferably of less diameter than the diameter of the aligned apertures, is inserted through these aligned apertures and th parts or sections are secured together by applying and tightening a nut upon each of the bolts |1. When thus assembled, the parts may partake of slight relative movement, for, as the parts expand and contract under the varying temperatures to which they are subjected, the

space 20 above referred to.

In order that the fire basket of my present inventionmay be readily used as a cooking device or as a barbecue grill, I provide a top or cover for the basket, this top or cover preferably being composed of two separate sections, which sections are identified by the numeral 26 in Figs. 1 and 2 and one of which sections 26 is shown in Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings. Each section'26 of the top or cover is provided with a 5, grill-like structure adapted to support thereon a suitable cooking utensil or utensils. Each section 26 is also provided with an opening or openings 28 into which may be inserted a suitable tool or implement to assist in placing the section upon, or removing it from, the top of the basket. When in place upon the basket, the sections 25 are supported upon the spaced lugs 3 formed on the bottom wall of channel 6, and the overall dimensions of said sections are such that there is a slight space 29 which extends between the marginal edges of the sections 26 and the adjacent vertical wall of the laterally and outwardly-extending flange I. By virtue of this construction and arrangement, any grease or liquid which overflows the utensils placed upon the sections 26 will fiow over said sections, through the space 29, through the space between the underside of the sections 26 and the bottom of channel 6, down the inner surface of the fire basket and into the fire within said basket, thus preventing said grease or liquid from running down the outer surface of the basket where its presence would be objectionable and unsightly.

The leg structure by means of which the above described fire basket is supported above a hearth or other surface, constitutes an important feature of my present invention. Specifically, I provide a pair of legs for attachment to the basket at or near each end thereof, these legs including upright, inclined supporting portions 38 and transverse connecting and strengthening portions 3!, which last-mentioned portions function to maintain the supporting portions 39 in substantially parallel, spaced relation. The upper, inner surface of each upright supporting portion 39 is provided with a relatively flat, inwardly pro jecting lug 32 of a width corresponding substantially to the width of one of the cut-out portions 9 in the rear and front sections 2 and 3, respectively, of the fire basket. The side edges 33 and S4 of lugs 32 are parallel and are disposed in anular relation to the remainder of the upright supporting portions 39 of each of the legs. It

will be noted upon an examination of Figs. 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings that each pair of legs is inclined upwardly and inwardly from the hearth or other supporting surface toward the ends of the basket I. This inclined arrangement of the legs at each end of the basket provides an especially rigid support for said basket and prevents the basket from tilting when a force is applied at either end thereof. This inclined positioning of the legs at each end of the basket is made possible by virtue of the angular dispor v sition of the lugs 32 with respect to the remaining portion of each upright supporting portion 35!. The distance between the inner faces of each pair of opposed lugs 32 of each pair of legs corresponds substantially to the distance between the inner surfaces of the opposed rear and front walls 2 and 3 at a position adjacent the upper ends of the cut-out portions 9 and is slightly greater than the distance between the outer surfaces of said opposed rear and front sections at a position adjacent the lower ends of the said cut-out portions. Hence it is possible to insert the opposed lugs 32 of each pair of legs past the bottom of the basket I and into opposed cut-out portions 9 in the rear and front sections 2 and 3, respectively, preferably into the cut-out portions 52 immediately adjacent the inturned portions at opposite ends of each of said sections. It will be noted upon an examination of the accompanying drawings that the uppermost ends of correspond substantially to the downwardly sloping rear and front sections 2 and 3, respectively, so that when the legs are in position the outer surfaces of said uppermost ends are substantially flush with the outer surfaces of said sections. Each pair of legs is readily attachable to the basket I, it merely being necessary to insert the opposed lugs 32 into opposed cut-out portions 9 at the rear end and front of the basket and to move said legs or basket until said lugs contact the upper walls defining the tops of said cut-out portions. Instead of the upper ends of the lugs contacting the upper walls defining the tops of said cut-out portions,as above described, the relative widths of the 'upwardly converging cut-out portions and of the lugs 32 may be such that the lugs engage the upwardly converging walls which define said cut-out portions prior to the time that the tops of the lugs contact the upper walls defining the tops of said cut-out portions. This arrangement will result in a binding of the lugs within the cut-out portions between the upwardly converging walls thereof and will frictionally retain the parts in the desired assembled relation. When it is desired to remove the legs from the basket for shipping or storage purposes, it is merely necessary to lift the basket and to force downwardly upon the legs whereupon the lugs 32 will slide downwardly within the cut-out portions 5 and may be readily detached from the basket.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a novel and highly efiicient portable fire basket preferably composed of a plurality of individual sections, which fire basket may be readily manufactured, shipped, assembled and secured to gether to form a fire basket adapted for heating and/or cooking purposes, and that I have provided novel and highly efficient legs which may be readily associated with said basket to support the same and which legs may be readily removed therefrom. It will also be seen that I have provided a fire basket having a novel grate structure by means of which the ashes or other contents of the basket may be readily dumped by mere application of a poker or other implement to a lug on the grate which projects to the exterior of the basket, and without the necessity of inserting a poker or other implement into or through the bed of fire or ashes within the basket. Other important features of my present invention, such as the novel means for fastening the sections together, the novel top or cover structure, etc., are readily apparent from the foregoing description of construction and operation and from the disclosure of the accompanying drawings.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention shown and described herein is to be taken as a preferred embodiment of the same and that various changes may be made in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of my invention or from the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A portable fire basket including substantially rectangular front, rear, and end sections adapted for attachment in vertical positions to form the basket, said front and rear sections each having a cut-out portion therein adjacent each of the opposite ends thereof, said end sections each having an inwardly-extending projection on an inner face thereof disposed in a plane substantially 7. normal to the plane of said inner face; a laterally extending lug on each end of each of said projections adapted to pass through the cut-out portion of an adjacent front or rear section, and means on each lug engaging the outer surface of the front or rear sections adjacent the cut-out portion through which the lug passes for securing said sections together.

2. A portable fire basket as defined in claim 1, wherein the means on each lug which engages said outer surface comprises a depending terminal portion on the lug. V

3. A portable fire basket as defined in claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the depending portion of each lug is normally slightly spaced from said outer surface to permit relative movement of said sections as they expand or contract.

4. A portable fire basket including substantially rectangular front, rear, and end sections adapted for attachment in vertical positions to form the basket, said front and rear sections each having a cut-out portion therein adjacent each of the two lower corners thereof, said end sections each having a relatively narrow turned-in por tion at the lower edge thereof disposed in a plane substantially normal to the plane of the end section and extending throughout the length of said end section and which narrow turned-in portion, when the basket is assembled, constitutes a part of the bottom thereof; a laterallyextending lug on each end of the turned-in portion of each end section adapted to pass through the cut-out portion of an adjacent front or rear section, and means on each lug engaging the outer surface of the front or rear sections ad jacent the cut-out portion through which the 7 lug passes for securing the sections together.

5. A portable fire, basket including substantially rectangular front, rear, and end sections adapted for attachment in vertical positions to form the basket, said front and rear sections each having a relatively narrow turned-in portion at jacent each of the two lower corners thereof, said end sections each having a relatively narrow turned-in portion at the lower edge thereof disposed in a plane substantially normal to the plane of the end section and extending throughout the length of said end section and which narrow turned-in iportion, when the basket is assembled, constitutes a part of the bottom thereof; a laterally-extending lug at each end of the turned-in portion of each end section adapted to pass through the cut-out portion of an adjacent front or rear section; means on each lug engaging the outer surface of the front or rear sections adjacent the cut-out portion through which the lug asses for securing the lower portions of said sections together; and means extending between the upper portion of each turned-in portion of each front and rear sections and the adjacent end section for securing the upper portions of said sections together.

6. A portable fire basket as defined in claim 5, wherein the means extending between the upper portion of each front and rear sections and the adjacent end section for securing the upper portions of said sections together comprises a lug extending laterally from one of said sections and contacting an adjacent section, said lug and adjacent section having alined apertures therein, and a bolt passing through said alined apertures to secure the sections together.

MORRIS H. GARFU'NKLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 172,564 Griffith Jan. 25, 1876 40 418,810 Musick Jan. 7, 1890 1,336,766 Ward et a1 Apr. 13, 1920 1,389,792 Tatum Sept. 6, 1921 2,258,489 Grindle Oct. 7, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 3,627 Great Britain 1904 75,327 Switzerland July 16, 1917 

